Puri: With a day to go before Lord Jagannath and his siblings undertake their 9-day sojourn to their aunt’s, the chariots were pulled to the Liongate (Singhadwara) of Srimandir after the ‘Agyan Mala’ reached Ratha Khala on Sunday.
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The servitors of Srimandir carried the customary Agyan Mala from Lord Jagannath as a permission from him to begin the process of Rath Yatra by stationing the Chariots in front of the Singhadwara, so that the Trinity can undertake their journey to their aunt, Devi Gundicha.
SJTA (Sri Jagannath Temple Administration) Chief, Krishan Kumar said, “The Agyan Mala reached the Ratha Khala on time. Hope everybody will watch the grand festival through their television sets tomorrow.
Ït is pertinent to mention here that, the administration is on its toes to ensure a smooth conduct of the Car Festival with provisions of Curfew in the pilgrim town from Sunday night at 8. The prohibitory orders will remain in force till 8 pm on Tuesday (July 13) to deny mass congregation on Bada Danda (Grand Road), roof tops, balcony of buildings adjoining the Grand Road.
All hotels, Dharmasalas, guest houses on the Grand Road will not be allowed to open for tourists, devotees and will vacate boarders, guests by today.
The shops, commercial establishments including medicine shops, banks and all offices except essential government offices located on the Grand Road will remain closed during the above mentioned period.
Speaking about the event, Collector Samarth Verma said, “All the rituals are being conducted as per the rituals under the close supervision of the Niti Administrator of Srimandir.”
“I request all the residents of Puri to stock up all the essential items before the town goes under curfew on Sunday night. We will allow home delivery of food and grocery items during the restrictions,” added Verma.
For the second year in a row, the mega event will be held without the participation of devotees in view of the Covid-19 pandemic situation